Australian Open 2011: England cricketers watch Roger Federer ease past Lukas Lacko in the first round

When Roger Federer met Graeme Swann backstage at the Australian Open, it was a
moot point which of the two would have felt he had more to say to the other
about loading a ball with spin, bounce and menace.

Taking the plaudits: Roger Federer salutes his fans after easing through his first round tie against Lukas LackoPhoto: EPA

Federer is more than capable of making a forehand turn like Swann’s off-breaks, and there were a few tricks from the Swiss as he defeated Slovakia’s Lukas Lacko on his return to the Rod Laver Arena, the stadium where he beat Andy Murray in last year’s final.

This was a classy performance from the champion as he won 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 inside an hour and a half.

There always seems to be someone waiting to meet Federer after his matches, so he must be as practised at small talk and feigned excitement as the Queen, yet he genuinely has an interest in cricket, through his South African mother.

Federer was aware of the significance of England’s success in the Ashes, and spoke warmly to Swann, Kevin Pietersen and others, though, smart PR operative that he is, he was careful not to offend the Australian sporting public by saying anything insensitive about the home nation.

Pietersen’s view of Federer as “an absolute legend” would have been enhanced by the ease with which the Swiss won his opening appearance.

Lacko, who was wearing a neon orange-red shirt, and shoes of the same colour, did not have anything with which to hurt Federer.

Federer would have had more of a workout from when he just played a few points against Rafael Nadal in Sunday’s Rally for Relief charity fund-raiser than when he dropped just five games against Lacko.

Still, as Federer knows more than anyone, it is important to pace yourself over a grand slam fortnight, especially when you know that there are people waiting for you in the locker room or in the lounge.

Federer will play Gilles Simon, of France, in the second round on Wednesday. Murray is due to open his tournament on Tuesday against Slovakian Karol Beck.